ROOH (Rising Over Obstacles and Healing)

We’ve all heard the jokes—or the heavy silence—around therapy in our community, so I brought Riya on to actually talk about it. She’s finishing her masters in marriage counseling, and we got into the real reasons why we get stuck in the same old patterns with our partners. We’re breaking down everything from childhood attachment styles to the fact that therapy isn't just a "break glass in case of emergency" tool. Our marriages deserve that intentional space even when things aren't "broken." We’re figuring out how to stop the cycle and finally prioritize the partnership, one conversation at a time.

It’s been a whole year since we started this, and honestly? It hasn’t always been pretty. This week, we’re sharing what actually goes on when the mics are off—from the technical headaches to the reality of trying to build a community while juggling everything else. It’s about finally taking the driver’s seat, owning the mess, and writing your own Kahani. After all, we get one life...do we want to spend it on the passenger seat?

"Ek pyar ka nagma hai, maujon ki ravaani hai... Zindagi aur kuch bhi nahi, teri meri kahani hai."This week is all about our take on what we learned from Alka and Roop. One thing is for sure...life is nothing but a story so let's write a beautiful one! What does your next chapter look like?

Okay, if Part 1 was the struggle, Part 2 is the triumph. Roop gets into the nitty-gritty of rebuilding—standing on her own two feet, saying 'no' to the wrong people, and finally finding her way to a beautiful new chapter. It’s a story of immense courage, a mother's love, and proof that your life isn’t over just because one door closed. It’s about realizing that a bad experience isn't your entire story... it’s just one measly chapter!

There’s so much pressure in our culture to look a certain way, marry at a certain age, and—if things aren't working—to just stay in it for the sake of 'Loki Ki Kehnge.' This week, Roop is sharing how she found the strength to leave a toxic arranged marriage for the sake of the daughter her in-laws didn't want. It’s about the immense courage it took to rebuild her life on her own terms and realizing that a 'failed' marriage doesn't mean your story is over.

Who were we before the kids showed up?This week on ROOH, we’re sitting down with Preet to talk about the one thing that usually slips to the bottom of the to-do list: our marriage. We’re getting into the incredibly challenging juggle of motherhood and why "dating your husband" isn't a luxury—it’s how you stay you. Let's normalize dating your spouse after kids...it's not selfish...it's how you show up as a better parent!

Why does the word "compromise" often feel like a threat to our identity? In this episode, Monica and I sit down to unpack the messy, beautiful reality of finding middle ground.We explore why so many of us—especially as South Asian women—find it hard to bend. Is it because we never saw healthy compromise modeled for us growing up? Or because we’re afraid that giving an inch means losing ourselves entirely?This isn’t about erasing who you are; it’s about how a little understanding and honest talk can go a long way in building a partnership that actually feels like home.

In our community, we’re often told that love happens after marriage—like it’s a switch you just flip once the gold jewelry comes off. But for today’s guest, that switch took work, intention, patience, and a whole lot of heart. Whether you call it arranged or love, Alka is here to tell us how she built a romance on her own terms. After hearing her story, some of you may give arranged marriages a chance, so tune in!

We vented about the ghosting and the '0 vibes' on our end last week—but what are the guys actually thinking? This week, we sat down with two single South Asian men to get the unfiltered truth about their side of the apps. We’re talking about the pressure to provide, the expectations, and why it feels like we’re all just swiping in circles. Just real talk and some much-needed perspective. Grab your cha or coffee and let's get into it!

As South Asian women, we’re often conditioned to keep our heads down and mind our own affairs. But with everything happening in the US right now—like the shooting of Alex Peretti—it’s time we finally speak up. Posting stories on IG to create awareness is a great start, but in this episode, Monica and I talk about what should come next. We’re diving into how we can move past the screen and collectively bring about real change. Tune in!Episode Resource List: Action Beyond the Screen1. Identify & Contact Your RepresentativesDon’t just speak to your followers; speak to those who hold the pen.Find Your Reps: Use CommonCause.org or USA.gov to find your local, state, and federal officials.The Script: "I am a constituent in [Your Zip Code], and I am calling to demand an independent investigation into the shooting of Alex Pretti. I urge you to support a DHS appropriations bill that restricts ICE funding and reallocates tax dollars toward community health and VA resources instead of federal enforcement."2. South Asian Advocacy GroupsConnect with organizations that understand our specific cultural nuances and fight for policy change.SAALT (South Asian Americans Leading Together): Focuses on policy change and fighting racial profiling. saalt.orgSAAPRI (South Asian American Policy & Research Institute): Uses data and research to advocate for the South Asian community in the US. saapri.orgDRUM (Desis Rising Up & Moving): Organizing low-income South Asian and Indo-Caribbean immigrants for social justice. drumnyc.org3. Tangible Change: Reallocating Tax DollarsAdvocate for your money to stay in your community.Demand a "Clean" Budget: Contact your Senators to oppose any funding increases for ICE and CBP (Customs and Border Protection).Support Local Mutual Aid: Instead of federal over-policing, donate to local Minneapolis groups like Unidos MN or the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota who are providing direct support to those affected.4. Know Your Rights (KYR)Part of breaking cultural trauma is knowing you have the right to exist safely.ACLU KYR Guide: Download or print "Know Your Rights" cards to keep in your car or wallet. aclu.org/know-your-rightsRecording Federal Agents: Remember, you have a First Amendment right to film federal agents in public spaces as long as you do not interfere with their operations.

Does a designer label actually change how you feel about yourself, or are we just buying into a standard that wasn't built for us? This week, Monica and I explore the high-stakes world of luxury consumerism and the pressure to "keep up." We’re looking past the price tags to discuss why material highs are so fleeting—and how to reclaim a sense of worth that social media can’t touch. You'll want to tune in to this one!

This week, Jyoti and Monica celebrate Lohri and discuss why the secret to a better year isn't just a resolution—it’s recognizing our worth, setting firm boundaries, and maybe adding a little more fiber to the mix. Come for the light-hearted sisterhood; stay for the big ideas that will empower your healing journey in the new year!

Have you ever made a choice—about your career, your relationship, or even your outfit—not because you wanted to, but because you were afraid of what "they" would say?In this episode of ROOH, Jyoti and Monica take a deep look back at the past year and the invisible shadow that follows so many South Asian women: the "Log Kya Kahenge" (LKK) Syndrome. We’re peeling back the layers on why we prioritize communal reputation over our own wellbeing. Tune in for tangible steps you can take to OWN your happiness!

Desi weddings have evolved so much over the years. This week, Monica and I take a trip down memory lane to talk about the simplicity of weddings back in the day and what truly mattered then versus now.Despite all the changes and the pressure for extravagance, we discuss why it’s so important to not lose sight of what actually counts: connection, honoring your vows, and the union of two people. We also share a few personal stories from our own big days—including one moment for me where things didn't go exactly as planned, but I chose to pivot anyway. There are plenty of laughs along the way, all with the message that you need to value your happiness and peace of mind above all else. Reclaim your day.

This week on ROOH, Monica and I are turning the microphone on ourselves and getting super real about the stuff we usually just talk about with our guests. We're "walking the walk" on vulnerability and sharing our own private struggles—everything from the chaos of career changes to that constant feeling of needing to balance everything as modern women. We also dive into how social media messes with our self-worth and why we all need simpler, more authentic friendships. Our big takeaway? Ditch the perfection and throw a messy pizza party!

Hey ROOH fam! This week, Monica and I are dishing out some sweet, sweet career truth with the incredibly inspiring Simmy, owner of 12th Avenue Bakery. Simmy skipped the typical South Asian career path and went all in on French pastries—but with a delicious, Indian-spiced twist. We're talking cardamom, rose, and saffron everything!This is a totally candid, light-hearted chat about what happens when you decide to bake your own way. How do you deal with the pressure? How do you actually make a bakery happen? Simmy shares her whole journey, proving that sometimes, the best recipe is the one you write yourself. You are definitely not alone if you’ve ever felt like your dreams were a little too unconventional!The Golden Biscuit 🍪: Simmy blesses us with the wisdom on how to turn a wild idea into a real career: research, internships, and taking that fearless first step. Trust us, you need this!

Welcome back to ROOH! This week, Monica and I are tackling a huge, and often complicated, topic for South Asian women: life in a joint family household.We know it's tough. Living under one roof often means balancing immense love and tradition with a real lack of privacy, which can definitely lead to stress and cultural trauma. We're going to get pretty honest about the daily struggles—from managing expectations to the challenge of setting boundaries when everyone is so close.Tune in as we share our candid perspective, validate those tricky feelings, and offer the practical, everyday "tidbits" on how we found a way to make it work. We talk compromise, communication, and the healing needed to carve out your own space and truly thrive with your in-laws.If you're living this reality, you are absolutely not alone. Let’s make room for ROOH (Rising Over Obstacles and Healing) together.

Guess who's back?! After a long hiatus, Monica is officially back in the ROOH studio, and we're neighbors again! In this week's chat, we’re diving into what it was actually like moving out of the big city, where Monica disappeared to, and how we finally ended up back in the same place. It's a fun, honest banter session about change, new chapters, and giving ourselves permission to just go for it.✨ Golden Biscuit: Life is short, friends. If you've been thinking about making a big change, starting that thing, or taking that leap... do it. Seriously, just do it.

Let's get real about one of the most difficult topics to talk about in the South Asian community: divorce. The stigma surrounding separation can feel paralyzing, but silence doesn't serve anyone. On this episode, we're cutting through the shame and sitting down with Matrimonial and Family Law Attorney Ravi Cattry! Ravi gives us a foundational, no-nonsense look at what it actually means to initiate a divorce. If you've ever wondered about the first steps, the necessary papers, or just need to understand your options, this conversation is for you. We’re validating your feelings, emphasizing that you are not alone, and equipping you with the basic legal knowledge you need to start navigating a new path forward.Ravi's Contact Information:Ravi Cattry, Esq. (She/Her)Vreeburg & Cattry PLLC80-02 Kew Gardens Road, Suite 600Kew Gardens, NY 11415T: 718-544-9400F: 718-263-0134ravi@vclawny.comCRISIS SUPPORT & HEALING RESOURCES (Specifically for South Asians)Sakhi for South Asian Survivors -- Culturally-specific support, counseling, and advocacy services. (PH #: 212-868-6741)Manavi -- First organization in the US dedicated to ending violence against South Asian Survivors. (PH#: 732-435-1414)Kiran -- Serves South Asian families facing domestic violence and sexual assault. (PH#: 877-625-4726)

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode includes brief mention of suicidal thoughts. If you need help, please call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately. Please listen with care.This is it: the powerful final chapter of Sandeep's journey!She's been through the absolute most—a devastating arranged marriage, being disowned by her parents, and a painful second divorce. In this episode, Sandeep shares the truth she finally uncovered: happiness isn't something you find in a partner or family; it's something you build for yourself.Hear how she committed to the hard work of inner healing and self-acceptance to become the architect of her own peace. Now, she's stepping up as a "big sister" to help others. This is the ultimate lesson in empowerment and realizing that you are responsible for your own stability. Don't miss this beautiful conclusion.